7 Quick Takes-Late Edition

1. G-Force left on April 4.  I took him to the CCS office that day.  I cried, kissed him goodbye, and drove home. Or was it back to work? I don't remember.  Since then, things have been ok.  We turned his room into the twins' play room.  I've been in contact a little bit with his mother, but we haven't gotten together yet.

2. The twins turned 4 on April 12!  They had a very fun birthday party with family and friends: PaPa (Mimi was working), Mere Mere, Pere Pere, and Aunt Miriam , Mr. Jason and Miss Erin and their kids, Angelica, Emma, Michaela and Brendan, and our neighbors, Miss Joyce and Mr. Bill.  These kids are so loved, and we thank those family and friends who acknowledged them on their birthday.

3. After 2 years (part time school, part time work) of pre-requisites for grad school, 3 years of graduate school in the Physical Therapy at U Dub, John will be graduating next weekend!!!!  He has worked so very hard these last years to accomplish his much planned out dream and on June 8 will officially be D.PT.  He'll take the boards on July 31 (please pray he passes. I know he will).  On August 13, he'll start his new job where 5 years  ago he worked part time as an aid.

4.  We're going to Maui!!!  This will be the first time we've ever left the twins for days.  Since they came to us, they've never gone to respite care.  We couldn't bear sending them to strangers for a weekend.  Thankfully, we have an awesome family who will care for them and jumped through the hoops to be able to have them stay.  Our parents have done background checks, fingerprints, CPR/First Aid classes, TB tests, and had their driving records sent to CCS.  It will be AWESOME to be able to relax in paradise for a week to reconnect, swim, snorkel, hike, relax and have one or three Tropical Itches.

5.  We go to court regarding the twins' case on August 6.  Your fervent prayers are very needed.  This court date may be extended to August 20, but in any event, it will decide if custody is restored to their mother.  They've been in foster care for 2 years as of June 10.  We fear for their safety and future should they go back to their mother.  Please, please pray.

6.  My sister, her husband and children (a fourth is due October 17) are visiting in August!  We cannot wait to see them!!! They moved to Brazil last September, and they'll be in the States for a family wedding and to visit.  We're planning fun activities but also down time to spend together.  The twins are really excited to finally meet their cousins that they've spoken to on the phone and seen in pictures. I think for them, it will be like meeting Prince William and Kate!

7.  John and I decided to get pretty healthy and eat Paleo.  It hasn't been hard at all.  Actually, it's been rather liberating, as I know exactly what to eat.  It's good stuff, too, and I feel a lot better. The only obstacle has been myself and not working out as I need to.  Since I heart lifting weights, it should be a fun and very challenging journey.  I will be posting some of the recipes we've been using on the Three Sisters blog.

PS-The kids went to a Family Appreciation Day hosted by their dental office. It was awesome! Here is a photo of Thumbelina on her pony "Sunny."

Time with Emily

Last weekend, my dear friend Emily, came to visit. She and I were roommates for 2 years in college along with two other friends, and Em was a bridesmaid in our wedding. She is one of the smartest, loveliest people I know, and having her to myself for a weekend meant the world to me. The kids loved her as well, and Em read many books to them and played with them. Cherub brought book after book out of his room, and she read every book deposited on her lap. She held G-Force at Mass for me and he happily slept on her shoulder.

The beautiful, sunny and 70s weather gave Emily a break from the triple digit temps of Kansas City, and her presence gave me a boost of joy and good conversation. Dang, she’s a thinker, and I’ve not kept up my brain. She made me want to get more learnin’ and read more!

Thumbelina, Em and I took the ferry to Seattle and enjoyed lunch and a trip to Pike Place Market. That evening, John made salmon on the grill and the three of us ate outside and enjoyed the sunlight til about 9:30pm when we lit candles and talked while sipping Riesling.

Sunday night, John and I took her to our favorite local restaurant on the water. Funny how I’d been daydreaming for months about taking her there, and it was so much fun to share the time with her.

Good friends truly are treasures, and I am so happy to know beautiful Emily.